Voting machine



(I he 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 W 2'1! CHOICE CHOICE April 11, 1939. A, N. GUSTAVSON VOTING MACHINE Filed Aug. 31.

Patented Apr. 11, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE VOTING MACHINE poration of Delaware Application August 31, 1937, Serial No. 161,827

12 Claims.

This invention relates to an improvement in voting machines and more particularly to the provision of an auxiliary interlocking mechanism for effecting a prescribed manner of balloting.

In certain voting districts special election laws are in force, which necessitate provision of a device for use in connection with the use of a voting machine. In one district, for instance, at primary elections the election law specifies that where there are more than two candidates aspiring to nomination to a given office, the voter must indicate his first choice of a candidate for this office and may at his option indicate a second choice. The purpose of this law is to provide a second choice candidate for a given office in the event the first choice candidate dies, withdraws, or fails to be nominated. Voting machines, in general, are not adapted to control balloting under these conditions, since in the majority of voting districts it is optional with the voter as to whether or not he casts a complete ballot.

The present invention, therefore, has been developed for the purpose of adapting a voting ma chine for use under the'above named or similar conditions and in one form is an interlocking device attached to or located adjacent the main interlocking mechanism. Suitable auxiliary interlocking straps connect the main interlocking straps of a given group of candidates with the auxiliary device. The indicators on the face vof the voting machine which are representative of a group of candidates can .only be manipulated in accordance with the limitations and arrangement required through the use of the auxiliary interlocking device.

One of the objects and advantages of the invention is the provision of means on a voting machine by which to cause a prescribed manner of balloting.

Another object of the invention is the provision of means on a voting machine which automatically registers a ballot for a given candidate when a ballot for another candidate has been registered.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an auxiliary interlocking device adapted to be operably connected with any desired portion of the main interlocking mechanism of a voting machine for the purpose of requiring a voter to make a first choice for a candidate to a given offlce when there are more than two candidates aspiring for nomination to this office.

Other and further objects and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood from a consideration of the following specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and in which locking device shown in Fig. 2; In

Fig.4 is a plan view-of the auxiliary interlock ing device shown in Figs. 2 and 3;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the auxiliary device, parts thereof being moved to position of use; 15

Fig. 6 is aview of one of the bars and locking arm of the device;

Fig. 7 is a view of another type of bar and arm; and

Fig. 8 is an elevation view of thesupporting and 20 mounting structure of the device.

Reference is now had to the drawings in Figure 1 of which is shown a fragmentary portion of the keyboard of a voting machine, being generally indicated by the reference numeral Ill. The

keyboard includes a number of horizontally ar-.

ranged rows, as for example, A, B, and C, of voti-ng indicators l l. Beneath each row of indicators H is acandidate label holder I2. Each indicator II is connected with a main interlocking device '30 M by straps I 3. The device M is similar to a corresponding structure indicated by the numeral 12 shown in applicant's Patent 1,948,661, includes a channel-like structure I5, between the side walls of which is located a plurality of laterally 35 movable rollers. The lower end of each interlocking strap I3 is enlarged and is located, when the machine is in neutral position, beneath the rollers of the interlock I4. When an indicator l on the face of the machine is moved downwardly 4-0 into voting position, the corresponding interlocking strap I3 is raised and the enlarged portion thereof spreads apart one pair of laterally movable rollers. Suitable grouping pins l6 may be inserted into the interlock M to govern the lateral 4 5 moveability of rollers therein and thus determine the number of indicators that maybe manipulated on the face of the machine.

The invention in one form consists of an auxiliary interlocking device which may be located .50 adjacentor, as in the present disclosure, attached to the main interlocking device l4. A frame l8 mounts the elements of this interlocking device. As shown in the drawings, the frame 18 includes an upright wall Hifrom the lower edge of which extends a horizontal flange 28. Secured in any suitable manner to the outer face of wall I9 are frame mounting lugs 22. These lugs are provided with upwardly opening slots 23 and are adapted to interfit the lower edge of one of the walls of the channel I5 of the main interlocking device M. A spring-like plate 24 is secured at one end. to the underface of the flange 20 of the frame iii in any suitable manner as by rivets 26. The plate 24 is curved downwardly away from the flange 23 and terminates in an end 21 which lies against the flange 25. To mount the frame I8, plate 24 is compressed against the base wall I1 of the voting machine for the purpose of permitting movement of the lugs 22 beneath one wall of the structure i5. At such time as the slots 23 of the lugs 22 are in line with the wall of the structure 55, pressru'e may be released and the spring-like plate 24 will cause the frame I8 to be firmly positioned with respect to the interlocking device I4.

It is to be understood that the parts of the mechanism of the interlocking device may be increased or decreased in number as may be found necessary to adapt it for use under voting conditions wherein a greater or lesser number of candidates are up for nomination to a given office. In the present disclosure, the auxiliary interlocking device is arranged to control a voting set up involving three candidates for nomination to an office and in which a Voter may cast a ballot for any two candidates, one of which is his first, and the other his second choice, for nomination to a given office. It is to be borne in mind that the illustration of the invention is adapted for use with a voting machine in an election district which requires the voter to cast a first choice for nomination to an office whether or not he casts a second choice.

The mechanism is carried by the frame I8 and comprises four shafts arranged in a horizontal row and projecting outwardly from the wall I9 of the frame I8. These shafts, for convenience of explanation, bear the reference numerals I, 2, 3, and 4. Rotat-ably mounted on each of the shafts I, 2, 3, and 4 are three bell cranks 3|, these bell cranks being laterally spaced apart by washers 32. The outermost bell crank 3i on each shaft is prevented displacement by provision of a cotter pin 33. The innermost bell crank 3! on each of the shafts pertains to and is suitably connected with the horizontally arranged row of voting indicators A in Figure 1 of the drawings. Similarly, the intermediate bell crank on each of the shafts pertains to the horizontal row of indicators B, and the outermost bell crank on each of the shafts, to the row of indicators C. Each bell crank includes arms 34 and 36. Projecting laterally from each of these arms are pins 31 and 38. Pin 3'! of arm 34 is adapted to be connected with one of the main interlocking straps I3 by an auxiliary interlocking strap 39, which is provided with an opening 41' at its lower end for this purpose. Inasmuch as the structure of the interlocking straps 39 and their connection with main interlocking straps !3 forms no part of the present invention, detailed disclosure and explanation thereof is not deemed necessary.

Adjacent one end of the frame I8, and secured in any suitable manner to the wall I9, is an upstanding outwardly opening channel member 42. This channel member is secured to the wall I9 by pins 43, which extend laterally slightly beyond flange 20. As shown in Figure 3 of the drawings, pins 43 are located at the upper and lower ends of the channel member 42. Mounted on each of the pins 43 is a sleeve or hollow roller 44. Between rollers 44 are two free rollers 45. A channel member 41, which is a duplicate of member 42, is mounted on pins 43 and secured against displacement in any suitable manner, as by cotter pins 48. Channel members 42 and 41 form a vertical guideway in which the free rollers 46 may move upwardly or downwardly between the fixed rollers 44. At the time of assembling the channel members 42 and 41 and rollers 44 and 46, looking arms 49 are assembled in this structure. These arms each include a neck-like portion 5| located between the ends thereof. This neck-like portion 5| is adapted to be positioned between a pair of rollers, and since there are four rollers, three arms are thus mounted. It is to be noted that the space between fixed rollers 44 is suflicient to accommodate the vertically movable rollers 46, the neck-like portion 5| of two of the arms 49, and the larger portion of one of the arms 49. In other words, the displaceability of rollers 46 is such that the wide portion of only one arm may be moved to occupy the space between any pair of rollers.

Movable bars 52 and 53 (Figuresfi and '1) are adapted to be mounted on the bell cranks 3|. These bars are each formed with an opening 54 and three longitudinally extending slots 56, 51, and 58. At one end bar 52 is formed with a lateral projection 59 from which a pin SI projects. The corresponding end 62 of bar 53 is slightly narrowed and provided with a pin 63. The longitudinally extending slots 56, 51, and 58 of the bar 52 are adapted to receive pins 38 located on arms 36 of the innermost bell cranks 3| located on shafts I, 2, and 3. Opening 54 of bar 52 is adapted to receive pin 38 of the innermost bell crank mounted on shaft 4. Due to the length of the slots 56, 51, and 58, pins 38, under certain circumstances, have slidable connection with respect to bar 52, whereas the size of opening 54 prevents any independent movement of the bell crank on shaft 4 with respect to bar 52. Examination of Figure 4 of the drawings discloses that the outermost bell cranks on each of the shafts I, 2, 3, and 4 are indicated as row C and correspond in reversed position to and are actuable by the indicators I I shown in row C of Figure 1. The intermediate bell cranks 3I on each of shafts I, 2, 3, and 4 correspond in reversed position to the row of indicators 13. These intermediate bell cranks are adapted to mount bar 53, slots 56, 51, and 58 receiving pins 38 of the bell cranks located on shafts I, 2, and 3. Opening 54 in this bar is adapted to receive the pin of the bell crank mounted on shaft 4. The innermost bell crank on each of the shafts I, 2, 3, and 4 corresponds in reversed position to the row of indicators A. Bar 52 is inverted and mounted on pins 38 of these bell cranks. This position of the bar causes projection 59 to extend downwardly.

Arms 49 are provided with suitable openings for receiving pins 6| and 63 of bars 52 and 53. It is apparent that movement of any one of the bell cranks 3| causes one of the bars 52 or 53 to have lateral movement and thus moves arm 49 to a position such that the wide portion thereof lies between a pair of rollers.

The invention as illustrated contemplates adapting a voting machine for special election requirements in which three candidates are seeking nomination to a given office at a primary election. Reference is now had to Figure 1 of the drawings wherein the candidates are indicated as X, Y, and Z. Beneath the row of indicators A the label holder includes the names of all three candidates. Candidate X is in the column for first choice and candidates Y and Z in the column for second choice. In the row of indicators B candidate Y is shown for first choice and candidates X and Z for second choice. Row C of indicators provides a first choice for candidate Z and a second choice for candidates X or Y.

When the voter moves indicator II in row G into voting position for candidate Z as first choice for nomination to office, such action raises a given interlocking strap i3 which in turn raises an auxiliary interlocking strap 39. Strap 39 being connected with the outermost bell crank 3| on shaft 4, is swung upwardly about its pivot and thus arm 36 thereof moves laterally carying with it bar 52 and arm 49. The position of these parts is clearly shown in Figure 5 of the drawings. Since the voter has the right to indicate a second choice, and in the horizontal row of indicator C candidates X and Y are listed for second choice, he may vote for either by moving the proper indicator. For example, it is assumed that candidate Y has been indicated as second choice. Manipulation of the indicator, therefore, causes the outermost bell crank 3! on shaft 2 to rotate and pin 33 thereon moves the length of slot 51 without disturbing the position of bar 52, which it is to be recalled, was moved by manipulation of the indicator for candidate Z.

It is now assumed that a voter does not indicate a first choice for a candidate as is required by the election law and instead of voting for candidates X, Y, or Z under the first choice heading, he selects candidate X in the horizontal row C under the second choice heading.

Movement of the indicator causes the corresponding interlocking straps i3 and 39 to move the outermost bell crank 3! on shaft 2 to the position shown in Figure 5 of the drawings. This movement of the bell crank causes bar 52 to be moved to the position shown. in this figure and also causes the outermost bell crank on shaft 4 to be moved. It will be recognized that the outermost bell crank on shaft 4 is connected through the interlocking straps with the indicator for candidate Z under first choice. This arrangement is applicable throughout the three rows of indicators A, B, and C. Thus it is impossible. for a voter to cast a second choice ballot in row A for candidates Y or Z without automatically casting a first choice ballot for X. It is also impossible for a voter to cast a second choice ballot in the row of indicators B for candidates X or Z without casting a first choice ballot for candidate Y, and similarly, in the row of indicators C a first choice ballot is automatically cast if a voter records a second choice for candidates X or Y. It will be further noted that if the voter casts his ballot in the row of indicators A, he must select candidate X as first choice for nomination to office and he cannot in addition thereto vote for candidate X for second choice in the row of indicators B because of the auxiliary interlocking device which permits movement of only one of the bars 52 or 53 and the corresponding arm 49, due to the arrangement of rollers 44 and 46.

Although applicant has shown and described only one form of a device for use in conjunction with the voting machine which requires a voter to comply with certain election laws, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the device may be modified by increasing the number and rearrangement of parts thereof, and such changes are contemplated insofar as they are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the hereunto annexed claims.

Having thus set forth my invention what I claim as new and for which I desire protection by Letters Patent is:

1. In a voting machine having a plurality of interlocking straps, an interlocking mechanism for controlling actuation of certain of said straps comprising pivotal members arranged in groups, means connecting said members with certain of said straps, and further means connecting the members of each group whereby to cause a given member to be moved when any other member of the group is moved.

2. In a voting machine having a plurality of interlocking straps, an interlocking mechanism for controlling actuation of certain of said straps comprising a framebell cranks pivotally mounted on said frame, said bell cranks having connections with said certain straps, and means connecting certain of said bell cranks together in a group, said means being adapted to cause a given bell crank to be moved when any other bell crank of said group is moved.

3. In a voting machine having a plurality of interlocking straps, an interlocking mechanism for controlling actuation of certain ofsaid straps comprising a frame, bell cranks supported for pivotal movement relative to said frame, said bell cranks having connections with said certain straps, said bell cranks being arranged in groups, a bar for each of said groups, said bar having a pivotal connection with each bell crank of a group and adapted to cause'a given bell crank to be moved when any other bell crank of the group has been moved.

4. In a voting machine having a plurality of interlocking straps connected with voting indicators arranged in horizontal rows on the face of the machine, an interlocking mechanism Jfor= controlling actuation of certain of said indicators comprising aframe, bell cranks supported for pivotal movement relative to said frame, said bell cranks being arranged in groups, auxiliary straps connecting said bell cranks with said certain interlocking straps in bell crank group and indicator row arrangement.

5. In a voting machine having a plurality of interlocking straps, an interlocking mechanism for controlling actuation of certain of said straps comprising pivotal members arranged in groups, said members having connections with said certain interlocking straps, means connecting the members of each of said groups, and further means permitting pivotal movement of only one selected group of members.

6. In a voting machine having a plurality of interlocking straps connected with voting indicators, an interlocking mechanism for controlling actuation of certain of said indicators comprising groups of pivotal members, said member having connections with said certain interlocking straps, a bar for each of said groups, said bar being pivotally connected with each member of a group, and means permitting movement of only one bar at one time thereby preventing operation of indicators other than of a selected group.

7. In a voting machine having a plurality of interlocking straps connected with voting indicators, an interlocking mechanism for controlling actuation of certain of said indicators comprising a frame, bell cranks supported for pivotal movement relative to said frame, said bell cranks having connections with certain of said straps and being arranged in groups, a bar for each of said groups, said bar having pivotal connection with each bell crank of a group, and means per- -mitting movement of only one selected group of bell cranks.

8. In a voting machine having a plurality of interlocking straps connected with voting indicators, an interlocking mechanism for controlling actuation of certain of said indicators comprising a frame, members pivotally mounted on said frame and arranged in groups, said members having connections with certain of said interlocking straps, a bar for each of said groups having pivotal connections with the members thereof, said bar being adapted to cause a given member to be moved when any other member of the group has been moved, and means permitting movement of only one bar thereby preventing movement of indicators other than of a selected group.

9. In a voting machine having a plurality of interlocking straps connected with voting indicators, an interlocking mechanism for controlling actuation of certain of said indicators comprising a frame, bell cranks pivotally mounted on said frame and arranged in groups corresponding to rows of said indicators, said bell cranks having connections with certain of said interlocking straps, a bar for each of said groups, said bar having several slotted openings therein,

. pins on certain bell cranks of a group engageable with said slots, said bar having a further opening, a pin on a further bell crank of the group projecting into said further opening, said bar being adapted to cause said further bell crank to be moved when any other bell crank of the group has been moved.

10. In a voting machine having a plurality of interlocking straps connected with voting indicators, an interlocking mechanism for controlling actuation of certain of said indicators cornprising a frame, bell cranks pivotally mounted on said frame and arranged in groups, auxiliary straps connecting corresponding arms of said bell cranks with said interlocking straps, a bar for each of said groups, said bar having pivotal connections with the bell cranks thereof, an arm pivotally connected with said bar, and means receiving said arm, said means permitting movement of said arm and said bar by any of the bell cranks of a selected group.

11. In a voting machine having a plurality of interlocking straps connected with voting indicators, an interlocking mechanism for controlling actuation of certain of said indicators comprising a plurality of members, auxiliary straps connecting said members with certain of said interlocking straps, said members being movable and adapted to actuate certain of said straps or be actuated thereby, said members also being arranged in groups, and means connecting the members of each group whereby to cause a given member to be moved when any other member of the group is moved.

12. In a voting machine having a plurality of interlocking straps connected with voting indicators, an interlocking mechanism for controlling actuation of certain of said indicators comprising a plurality of members, auxiliary straps connecting said members with certain of said interlocking straps, said members being movable and adapted to actuate certain of said straps or be actuated thereby, said members also being arranged in groups, means joining the members of each group to cause a given member to be moved when any other member of the group is moved, and further means adapted to limit movement of said members to only one selected group.

ALVIN N. GUSTAVSON. 

